Monday, January 14, 2013

Landmark where a sports legend trained: Joe Frazier's gym in Philadelphia was designated as one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2012.

Is there a threatened historic African American treasure in your community? Help to raise national awareness for a one-of-a-kind place in your area – and generate local support for protecting it – by nominating it for the 2013 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

Washington, DC – The National Trust for Historic Preservation is recognizing the importance of preserving black history by calling for nominations of endangered African American sites for its 26th annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places®. For over a quarter century, this list has highlighted important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage. Nominations are due on March 1, 2013. The 2013 list will be announced in June.

“Historic places are a tangible reminder of who we are as a nation,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “For over 25 years, the National Trust’s list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has helped shine a spotlight on threatened historic places throughout the nation, helping not only to preserve these places, but also galvanizing local support for the preservation of other unique, irreplaceable treasures that make our nation and local communities special.”

More than 240 threatened one-of-a-kind historic treasures have been identified on the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places since 1988. Whether these sites are urban districts or rural landscapes, Native American landmarks or 20th-century sports arenas, entire communities or single buildings, the list spotlights diverse historic places across America that are facing a range of threats including insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy. The designation has been a powerful tool for raising awareness and rallying resources to save endangered sites from every region of the country.

African American sites selected to the list have included the home of jazz musician John Coltrane, the Rosenwald Schools, Gullah/Geechee Coast in South Carolina and the workstation and home of Philip Simmons, a renowned African American blacksmith (read more about Simmons and his foundation here).

The places on the list need not be famous, but they must be significant within their own cultural context, illustrate important issues in preservation and have a need for immediate action to stop or reverse serious threats. All nominations are subject to an extensive, rigorous vetting process.